10 Places You Have To See In The Faroe Islands

In between Schotland and Iceland you’ll find a piece of land. Robust, undiscovered, wild and quiet. It doesn’t look similar to her neighbor countries, but it does feel like it.

The high cliffs remind you of Schotland, and the millions of waterfalls, the mountains, and the chance of seeing the northern lights reminds you of Iceland. However, the Faroe Islands are very much just the Faroe Islands. Remarkably different and unique. Just unique.

The Faroe Islands exist out of a group of small islands. With a combined number of just 50.000 residents. It’s quiet, that is for sure. The air is healthy, the wind is fresh, the mountains are calming and the ocean is soothing.

There are so many things one needs to see and do in the Faroe Islands. But I guess that once you start to drive around the islands you will see most of the things any way, with hardly just one highway per island you are bound to cross paths with highlights.

However, for everybody’s information I am just going to share the things you definitely cannot miss when you are visiting the Faroe Islands.

The Faroe Islands are a once in a lifetime experience, and it would be such a shame if you missed these highlights.

Lake Sørvágsvatn

Lake Sørvágsvatn is the biggest lake of the Faroe Islands. However, that is not quite the reason you need to see it. With a one hour hike you will get to the most beautiful view of Lake Sørvágsvatn: the view of the endless lake, separated with just inches of land, from the ocean. Lake Sørvágsvatn is situated just on top of a cliff. And to see this in real life is mind blowing.

Kalsoy

Unfortunately we didn’t have enough time to explore Kalsoy, which is a smaller island, only to reach by ferry. Kalsoy doesn’t host much residents, but it’s a beautiful island with amazing cliffs, high mountains, lighthouses and the famous Seal Woman – one of the most realistic and one of the very few statues you will see on the Faroe Islands. Kalsoy makes for a perfect day trip during your time in the country.

Saksun

At the end of one of the famous Buttercup Roads of the island you’ll find yourself in Saksun. Saksun is really small. It’s quiet. There are not more than just a few houses in this little village. Saksun is one of the many fishing villages the Faroe Islands has. In stead of facing the ocean directly, Saksun overlooks on a small outlet of the ocean. Two high mountains, right in front of the village separate her from the ocean.

Mykines

Mykines is one of the most famous spots to visit in the Faroe Islands. This small island is to be found in the south of the country. Get there by ferry and start hiking around to take most advantage of the island. It is on Mykines where you find the most famous lighthouse of the Faroe Islands, and colonies of puffins!

Gasadalur

Gasadalur is my personal favorite in the Faroe Islands. Accompanied by the friendliest neighborhood dog ever, you’ll find yourself in a mythical, fairytale-like village. The houses are old, and green-roofed, the village is quiet and the view over the ocean is like no other. However, it is the little waterfall that ends up directly into the ocean that makes this village so special. Gasdalur is perfect, and you must see it for yourself.

Torshavn

The capital. Of course you have to see the capital. Torshavn wasn’t my favorite of the island. But after spending 5 days in the quieter parts of the country, almost seeing no-one, it was fun to see the contrast between Torshavn and the other villages for myself. Torshavn keeps about 50% of the residents of the country. And compared to the rest of the islands Torshavn is vivid and busy, even.

Gjogv

I can go on and on about every single village in the Faroe Islands. Gjogv is another personal favorite of mine. Gjogv is one of the more touristic villages in the Faroe Islands. Again, at the end of a famous Buttercup Road. The road towards Gjogv doesn’t disappoint whatsoever, and neither does Gjogv itself.

Again, this village is old and traditional, facing the ocean at one side, hidden behind the mountains at the other side. Gjogv is slightly bigger than other villages. But still, small enough.

Viðareiði

The northern islands are quiet. There aren’t much people living there, but be sure to not skip Viðareiði. The most northern village of the Faroe Islands definitely is worth a visit. Viðareiði itself is small, but it hosts the most beautiful church of the Faroe Islands, as they say. The surroundances of Viðareiði are beautiful. It’s a wonderful area to take a hike.

A view over Klaksvik

I stayed in Klaksvik for three days. While the city itself (yes city, it’s the second largest of the Faroe Islands with 4600 residents), isn’t smashing, the view over Klaksvik definitely is. It is just a short hike up the mountain (seems impressive, but it isn’t too bad) above Klaksvik. On top of the mountain you’ll be facing Klaksvik at one side, but you’ll have a view over the neighbor islands from the other side. Breathtaking.

Slættaratindur

Slættaratindur: the highest mountain of the Faroe Islands. There are only a couple of days per year you can see the top of this mountain. Other days of the year Slættaratindur is hidden behind mist and clouds. However, once you drive past it you know it: Slættaratindur stands out, it sure is big. If you are lucky enough to find Slættaratindur during good weather, be sure to hike to the top, to get a mind blowing view of the Faroe Islands.